Turkish PM Defends Parliament Decision on US Use of Bases

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, February 09, 2003

Turkish PM Defends Parliament Decision on US Use of Bases

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Turkish Prime Minister Abdullah Gul argued on Saturday that Thursday's parliament decision on allowing the United States to upgrade bases in the country in preparation for a war against Iraq was "not a war decision."

"This decision is a decision made in order to prevent this war from being harmful to us," said Gul when he was addressing the nation on state-run TRT TV channel.

The government decided on Wednesday to let in US military personnel to carry out the tasks of modernizing its military bases and ports. The parliament adopted the motion on Thursday, which has sparked wide-spread opposition throughout the country.

"It is the day to unite for the interests of our country and nation and a day of solidarity, not a day to make irresponsible declarations," he said.

Gul explained that important developments had occurred recently and Turkey was experiencing an extraordinary period of time.

He said the developments were not only related with Iraq but concerned both Turkey and the regional countries, even the whole world.

"Iraq is not far away from us. It is our neighbor. The Iraqi nation is a nation to whose territorial integrity we give full respect and with whom we have historical and cultural ties. We have relatives and brothers there," Gul said.

He said the decision adopted by the parliament gave an opportunity to continue Turkey's peace efforts more efficiently.

"We are still hopeful about peace. We insistently continue our efforts for peace because we believe in peace and believe in its advantages. We don't want any bloodshed and tears," Gul added.

Referring to strong public reactions to the decision, Gul said on one hand, some people wanted the government to back war without any hesitations and asked why still waiting.

"They don't think about the damages of what they are saying to our national interests. These people don't remember the damages of the former war on our nation."

He said, on the other hand, "there are people who try to show usas a supporter of war because they don't understand our active peace policy."

Commenting on the negative attitude of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), Gul said he met with CHP leader Deniz Baykal for three times.

"I have met with everybody in and out of the parliament. I explained everything and what may happen. We have always been transparent about this issue," Gul said.

Gul's televised address to the nation came after he held a three-and-half hour meeting with Second Chief of the General Staff Hilmi Ozkok and some key ministers on the Iraq issue.

The government is set to send troops to northern Iraq on Feb. 18in the wake of the nine-day "Feast of Sacrifice" Muslim holiday.

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